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Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.
U.S. citizens are required to enter and exit the United States using a U.S. passport. All other passport rules and regulations remain in effect. Please use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator to schedule an appointment or contact us.
To request U.S. embassy assistance or a service, please use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
Whether you are residing in Costa Rica or here for a vacation, please enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and so that we may be better able to assist you in an emergency. You can also receive alerts from the U.S. Embassy by subscribing to our WhatsApp channel “U.S. Citizen Consular Information: COSTA RICA”. Follow this link to subscribe.
For information on travel to Costa Rica, including alerts, health, safety, security, entry/exit/visa requirements, and local laws, please visit the Costa Rica country information page. Please note, the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene in Costa Rican immigration authorities’ decisions if you are denied entry into Costa Rica.
Please note, third parties may attend appointments with persons applying for ACS services.
For many cases, due to the Privacy Act, the U.S. embassy cannot share your personal information without your consent. If you would like to provide your consent, you can fill out a Privacy Act Waiver.
If you are currently experiencing an emergency or feel you are in danger, please call 911. For emergencies related to U.S. citizens, please contact us at: +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
Emergency ContactsIf you are currently experiencing an emergency or feel you are in danger, please call 911. For emergencies related to U.S. citizens, please contact us at: +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
A consular officer visits an arrested U.S. citizen as soon as possible after being notified by Costa Rican authorities to ascertain the arrestee’s physical well-being and conditions of arrest, provide information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and, if the prisoner wishes, notify family or friends. However, consular officers CANNOT act as attorneys or legal representatives nor affect the release of arrested American citizens. If you are arrested, insist that the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
If you become a victim of crime: Report the crime to the OIJ* police, and if you need victim’s assistance, report to the American Citizens Services Section of the U.S. Embassy at +506 2519-2020 or using our U.S. Citizen Services navigator. If your U.S. passport is stolen, please call 2519-2000 Monday-Friday 7am to 11:00am to report and replace it. This allows the Embassy to make the necessary notifications that may help catch criminals, including terrorists, who try to buy or use the passport. *In Costa Rica, there are several kinds of police. Those in uniform are La Fuerza Pública. Their role is crime prevention. OIJ, plain clothes police, are in charge of investigations. We recommend that you file a police report with the OIJ police, as they are the only agency that can take reports and investigate crimes. For further assistance, please contact the OIJ branch directly by accessing https://sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr/index.php/oficinas/ubicanos
Are you a U.S. citizen who needs a passport?
If you are currently experiencing an emergency or feel you are in danger, please call 911. For emergencies related to U.S. citizens, please contact us at: +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
A consular officer visits an arrested U.S. citizen as soon as possible after being notified by Costa Rican authorities to ascertain the arrestee’s physical well-being and conditions of arrest, provide information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and, if the prisoner wishes, notify family or friends. However, consular officers CANNOT act as attorneys or legal representatives nor affect the release of arrested American citizens. If you are arrested, insist that the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
If you become a victim of crime: Report the crime to the OIJ* police, and if you need victim’s assistance, report to the American Citizens Services Section of the U.S. Embassy at +506 2519-2020 or using our U.S. Citizen Services navigator. If your U.S. passport is stolen, please call 2519-2000 Monday-Friday 7am to 11:00am to report and replace it. This allows the Embassy to make the necessary notifications that may help catch criminals, including terrorists, who try to buy or use the passport. *In Costa Rica, there are several kinds of police. Those in uniform are La Fuerza Pública. Their role is crime prevention. OIJ, plain clothes police, are in charge of investigations. We recommend that you file a police report with the OIJ police, as they are the only agency that can take reports and investigate crimes. For further assistance, please contact the OIJ branch directly by accessing https://sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr/index.php/oficinas/ubicanos
If you are a U.S. citizen who is destitute in Costa Rica, please contact us at +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
Emergency Financial AssistanceIn assisting destitute U.S. citizens, consular officers can act as an intermediary to help the citizen locate a private source of funds (family members, friends, employers, etc.) and to show how the funds may be transferred to Costa Rica. Consular officers have no funds available for welfare services. Congress does not provide funds to give or loan to U.S. citizens except in very limited cases where the U.S. citizen agrees to be repatriated to the U.S. and signs a promissory note agreeing to repay the U.S. government loan. The Consular section can assist U.S. citizens who are temporarily destitute abroad due to robbery or other unforeseen circumstances. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact us at: +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Emergency Financial Assistance
In assisting destitute U.S. citizens, consular officers can act as an intermediary to help the citizen locate a private source of funds (family members, friends, employers, etc.) and to show how the funds may be transferred to Costa Rica. Consular officers have no funds available for welfare services. Congress does not provide funds to give or loan to U.S. citizens except in very limited cases where the U.S. citizen agrees to be repatriated to the U.S. and signs a promissory note agreeing to repay the U.S. government loan. The Consular section can assist U.S. citizens who are temporarily destitute abroad due to robbery or other unforeseen circumstances. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact us at: +506 2519-2000 or use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
For more information on federal benefits or services, please visit federal government agency websites directly below.
Internal Revenue ServiceIf you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IRS.gov website also contains a wealth of resources about filing and payment options, tax withholdings, and links to the latest updates on IRS social media. You may visit the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to get help by clicking https://www.irs.gov/help/ita
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Costa Rica and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
The one-stop shop for all voting-related issues is the Federal Voting Assistance Program. It has a wealth of information about absentee voting, including the downloadable absentee ballot applications, state-specific instructions for completing the form, links to state and local voting officials, and a downloadable emergency ballot.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The IRS.gov website also contains a wealth of resources about filing and payment options, tax withholdings, and links to the latest updates on IRS social media. You may visit the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to get help by clicking https://www.irs.gov/help/ita
If you are a U.S. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you live in Costa Rica and have questions about Social Security Administration (SSA) services, contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Costa Rica.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
The one-stop shop for all voting-related issues is the Federal Voting Assistance Program. It has a wealth of information about absentee voting, including the downloadable absentee ballot applications, state-specific instructions for completing the form, links to state and local voting officials, and a downloadable emergency ballot.
To assist U.S. citizens in Costa Rica, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose has compiled lists of lawyers, medical doctors, hospitals and clinics, and funeral homes in Costa Rica. We also provide guidance on seeking residency and other issues commonly faced by the U.S. resident community in Costa Rica. These resources are not meant to be complete, as there are many competent professionals in the community. Many of these professionals speak English. The lists do not represent either a guarantee of competence or endorsement by the Department of State.
Legal AssistanceThe Consular Section can provide you a compiled list of local attorneys. Visit this page for guidelines that may assist you in protecting your interests when retaining the services of a Costa Rican attorney, with reference to a private party dispute, a domestic relations dispute, or a small commercial transaction.
If an American becomes ill or is seriously injured abroad, a consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. Visit this page for a list of hospitals, medical and dental service providers in Costa Rica.
For more information about safety, security, travel, entry/exit/visa requirements, health, and natural disaster preparedness, please see the Costa Rica Country Information page on travel.state.gov.
Choosing to reside in a foreign country is an exciting prospect for many U.S. citizens, and thousands have already made the choice to make Costa Rica their second home. The U.S. Embassy exists to assist U.S. citizens abroad, and we hope that you have a smooth transition. However, the Embassy is limited in its ability to assist with local laws and regulations and cannot intervene in personal matters involving business or legal transactions. We offer the following sources of information for those wishing to reside long-term in Costa Rica, but we recommend that whenever possible, you consult with local government offices and seek local legal counsel to help you navigate Costa Rica’s residency requirements and legal systems.
The primary responsibility of Community Liaison Volunteers (CLVs) is to assist the U.S. Embassy in communication with the U.S. citizen community in the event of an emergency. We are always looking for volunteers to serve as CLVs. If you are interested in serving as warden, please email contact us using our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
If you are traveling or residing in Costa Rica you might be interested in the information found in on this page.
The Consular Section can provide you a compiled list of local attorneys. Visit this page for guidelines that may assist you in protecting your interests when retaining the services of a Costa Rican attorney, with reference to a private party dispute, a domestic relations dispute, or a small commercial transaction.
If an American becomes ill or is seriously injured abroad, a consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing family or friends. If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States. Visit this page for a list of hospitals, medical and dental service providers in Costa Rica.
Safety and Security in Costa Rica
For more information about safety, security, travel, entry/exit/visa requirements, health, and natural disaster preparedness, please see the Costa Rica Country Information page on travel.state.gov.
Residing and Applying for Residency in Costa Rica
Choosing to reside in a foreign country is an exciting prospect for many U.S. citizens, and thousands have already made the choice to make Costa Rica their second home. The U.S. Embassy exists to assist U.S. citizens abroad, and we hope that you have a smooth transition. However, the Embassy is limited in its ability to assist with local laws and regulations and cannot intervene in personal matters involving business or legal transactions. We offer the following sources of information for those wishing to reside long-term in Costa Rica, but we recommend that whenever possible, you consult with local government offices and seek local legal counsel to help you navigate Costa Rica’s residency requirements and legal systems.
Becoming a Citizen Liaison Volunteer (CLV)
The primary responsibility of Community Liaison Volunteers (CLVs) is to assist the U.S. Embassy in communication with the U.S. citizen community in the event of an emergency. We are always looking for volunteers to serve as CLVs. If you are interested in serving as warden, please email contact us using our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator.
Costa Rican Government Offices
If you are traveling or residing in Costa Rica you might be interested in the information found in on this page.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
In an effort to prevent the international abduction of minors, many governments have initiated special procedures for minors at international entry and exit ports. These procedures include requiring proof of the relationship between adult and the minor and a travel permit from the parents or legal representative.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Educate yourself on renouncing U.S. citizenship.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
If you have a child outside the United States the child may have acquired U.S. citizenship at birth if the requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act have been met as of the time of your child’s birth. To determine whether your child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth and to document that, you can apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) for your child. You may also choose to just apply for a U.S. passport for your child, although one benefit of a CRBA is that, unlike the U.S. passport, it does not expire and may be used as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth. A full validity, unexpired U.S. passport is also proof of U.S. citizenship.
Traveling with U.S. citizen children born in Costa Rica
In an effort to prevent the international abduction of minors, many governments have initiated special procedures for minors at international entry and exit ports. These procedures include requiring proof of the relationship between adult and the minor and a travel permit from the parents or legal representative.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
If you get married abroad and need to know if your marriage will be recognized in the United States and what documentation may be needed, contact the office of the Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.
Tips on how to identify and what to do when you visit Costa Rica's beaches that present rip currents
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Please call: (506) 2519-2000
Outside of Costa Rica: 011-506-2519-2000
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